Silvanus's Revolt Succeeds?

[CandyDragon]

Let's say that Claudius Silvanus, the Late Roman General of Frankish descent who revolted against Constantius II after false accusations against him, succeeds in his rebellion, and becomes Emperor.

From what we know, the cause of his defeat was probably his lack of action. If he had been more decisive, he probably wouldn't have been defeated so quickly, or, perhaps, he could have emerged victorious.

If he becomes Emperor, what changes? Would he fight back against the bureaucracy that led to his revolt- the Roman system at that time involved much scheming against others in order to gain power and precedence. If he succeeds, how would this change, if at all.

Does his Frankish ancestry rule him out as a candidate for Emperor? There had been Emperors of less than pure Roman bloodline (Can't remember whom, but somebody after Elagabalus, and before Severus)

[Basileus Giorgios]

Originally Posted by CandyDragon

If he becomes Emperor, what changes? Would he fight back against the bureaucracy that led to his revolt- the Roman system at that time involved much scheming against others in order to gain power and precedence. If he succeeds, how would this change, if at all.

Does his Frankish ancestry rule him out as a candidate for Emperor? There had been Emperors of less than pure Roman bloodline (Can't remember whom, but somebody after Elagabalus, and before Severus)

Firstly, I don't think Silvanus was ever that much of a threat. Constantius II was a very tough and able Emperor, who faced down numerous threats to his throne and died undefeated.

Anyway.

Attacking bureaucracy isn't likely. I know a lot of people see "fighting bureaucracy!" as the key to saving the later Roman Empire, in the fourth/fifth and tenth/eleventh centuries alike, but the situation is much, much more complicated than that. Given Silvanus is a general, rather than an inexperienced schoolboy like Julian, I think the chances of him purging the bureaucracy of the Empire are unlikely, because, if he does gain the throne, he'll require that bureaucracy to sustain him in power. He's not a member of the House of Constantine, which is still quite important pre-Julian.

"Barbarian" ancestry could perhaps rule him out, but I wouldn't say that's guaranteed. A century later, Zeno didn't have much problem becoming Emperor despite his Isaurian roots. Being of Frankish descent is problematic, but I wouldn't say it's insurmountable.

[CandyDragon]

He died undefeated in the sense that he died naturally as Julian began his rebellion.

I agree that attacking the bureaucracy is a terrible idea, but limiting and reforming it to an extent is still a possibility at this point.

And yeah, bringing Silvanus to the throne was a bit of a stretch...